Spring bird Count on Sunday 30th April was very fun and interesting with 67 species seen. Just three of us went right over to Tree (on the map – Sandy) Island and in the end were out for 12 hours.

Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana

A couple of highlights were the Western tanager – Denman’s prettiest bird, often difficult to see high in the trees – and the shore birds – Dowitchers – probably short-billed, confirmed later by Art Martell.

Dunlins with western sandpiper

Short-billed dowitchers, Limnodromus griseus

The flowers are well into the spring season, with Larkspur and Field chickweed just starting, Chocolate lilies in profusion and fantastic pathways of Gold stars, Blue-eyed mary, Sea blush etc. The tall Oregon grape are in full bloom and the taller shrubs are just beginning to blossom.

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Final bird species count was 64 and a total of 949 individuals. Besides the species mentioned by Jenny, highlights were a male Wood Duck at Komas Ranch, a Sharp-shinned Hawk at Tree Island, 6 species of shorebirds, 4 species of gulls, 5 Band-tailed Pigeons, 2 Barred Owls duetting off Gladstone Way, 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallows, 4 species of warblers, and 20 Savannah Sparrows.